Mission/History

Mission

To lead, promote, and support innovative learning experiences for all Minnesota students.

History

The Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs (MAAP) was organized by a small group of educators in the early 1980’s to help meet the needs of students, parents, teachers, administrators and the general public through a professional organization dedicated to the improvement of alternative education options.

Alternative education has grown significantly in the past 15 years. Between 1988 and 2005 enrollment in Minnesota alternative programs grew from 4,000 students to over 145,000. Currently there are over 800 members from over 300 Alternative Learning Centers and alternative programs in Minnesota, surrounding states and Canada. Click here to see annual student enrollment figures for state-approved alternative programs.

Members

MAAP membership includes people from the following settings:

Public and Private Alternative Schools

Area Learning Centers

Social Service Agencies

Dropout Prevention Programs

Minnesota Department of Education

Elementary Schools

Special Education

Schools-Within-A-School Programs

Charter Schools

Vocational and Technical Schools

Corrections Education Programs

Colleges and University Students and Staff

Governance

MAAP is governed by a sixteen-member Board of Directors.